Will California become America's first failed state?

The Guardian by Paul Harris | Oct. 4, 2009 (News)

California may be the eighth largest economy in the world, but its state staff are being paid in IOUs, unemployment is at its highest in 70 years, and teachers are on hunger strike. So what has gone so catastrophically wrong? California has a special place in the American psyche. It is the Golden State: a playground of the rich and famous with perfect weather. It symbolises a lifestyle of sunshine, swimming pools and the Hollywood dream factory. But the ... Full Story »

Posted by Justin Michels - via Tim O'Reilly, OneRiot, Dan Gillmor, Digg, Memeorandum, Drudge Report, Publish2 (U.S.), NewsRack (Energy), Publish2 (Politics), The Guardian (US), Real Clear Politics

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Subjects: World, U.S., Politics, Business, Sci/Tech, Living, Extra
Topics: U.S. Economy, Energy, Green Technology, Money, California, Climate Change
Member Tags: arnold schwarzenegger, the observer, am update, features, solar
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Posted by: Posted by Justin Michels - Oct 3, 2009 - 4:53 PM PDT
Reviewed by: Randy Morrow (review), Chris Finnie (review), Walter Cox (review), Greg Smith (review)
Content Type: Article
Edit Lock: This story can be edited
Edited by: Derek Hawkins - Oct 4, 2009 - 10:34 AM PDT
Related Comments: Climate Change (9)

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Walter Cox
4.0
 by Walter Cox - Oct. 4, 2009

Given the title, it is understandable that this article focuses on California's horror stories--for example a 70% drop in real estate prices in Merced, CA--however Paul Harris balances that nicely, injecting strategic rays of hope. Mostly the article describes the present sorry state of affairs and makes little attempt to flesh out possible futures. Unlike train wrecks, which are familiar, one wonders exactly what a "failed state" might look like?

My work as an architect and "hands-on" builder gives me a pretty clear point of view. California's unemployment rate may be 12% overall, which is bad enough, however I would guess that in the construction industry that figure could be as high as 50-60%. Mostly it is smaller projects that are still in play, and even necessary maintenance is being deferred indefinitely.

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Chris Finnie
4.8
 by Chris Finnie - Oct. 4, 2009

A very accurate portrayal of the state of my state.

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Randy Morrow
3.9
 by Randy Morrow - Oct. 4, 2009

The question asked in the title is disturbing enough but when it is asked by a UK paper it is a good bit more serious.

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Greg Smith
4.5
 by Greg Smith - Oct. 8, 2009
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